World Athletics suspends qualifications for Tokyo Olympics until Dec 1

The World Athletics has announced that all qualification competitions for Tokyo Olympics have been suspended till Dec 1, 2020.

The suspension, according to the athletics governing body following consultation with its Athletes’ Commission, Area Presidents and Council, is effective from April 6, 2020 to November 30, 2020.

During this period, it said, results achieved at any competition will not be considered for Tokyo 2020 entry standards or world rankings, the publication of which will also be suspended.

Results will continue to be recorded hoeever for statistical purposes, including for world records, subject to the applicable conditions. But they will not be used to establish an athlete’s qualification status, the statement read.

The Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games was earlier scheduled to hold between July and August this year, but had been postponed to next summer due to the coronavirus pandemic ravaging the globe.

The pandemic has affected all sporting activities across the world, and it is yet to be known when all will get back to normal as there is yet a cure for the disease.

Subject to the global situation returning to normal, the World Athletics said, qualification period will resume on December 1, 2020 and continue to the new qualification deadline in 2021 set by the International Olympic Committee.

Meanwhile, athletes who have already met the entry standard since the start of the qualification period in 2019 remain qualified and will be eligible for selection by their respective Member Federations.